The Lynn Woods Reservation was founded in 1881, the second largest municipal park in the United States, is a 2,200 acre municipal forest park located in Lynn, Massachusetts. The Woods offers over 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking, running, horseback riding, mountain biking (not allowed during the winter), cross-country skiing, and nature walks. Three active reservoirs provide pretty pond-like scenery among natural forestland, as well as clean water for the City of Lynn. Dungeon Rock is a well-loved underground tunnel with a history of pirate lore and treasure seekers. The Rose Garden, Houghton Horticultural Garden, and Amphitheater areas provide more formal settings to explore.

Please select an item from the left hand menu to view information and download links to available files and forms. You may also contact us by mail, phone, or email with your questions or if you require any additional information.

Park Information

The City of Lynn’s Department of Public Works, Park Commission, and Lynn Water and Sewer Commission share jurisdiction and management of the Reservation. The Park encompasses nearly one-fifth of the entire land area of the City and represents a significant natural, watershed, and public recreational resource in eastern Massachusetts.

Directions to Main Entrance (west): Take Walnut Street to Pennybrook Road.Directions to Eastern Entrance: Take Lynnfield Street (Route 129) to Great Woods Road.

To find out how to get involved in the protection and improvement of Lynn Woods, call Friends of Lynn Woods at 781-477-7123 or click here to visit our website: http://www.flw.org
For a detailed map of Lynn Woods visit our website. There are also maps available at City Hall.

To get involved in advocating for responsible bicycle use in Lynn Woods, call New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) at (800) 57-NEMBA, email to 72773.2557@compuserve.com

For water supply information, contact Lynn Water and Sewer Commission at (781) 596-2400.

Sites and Attractions: (Park hours are from sunrise to sunset)Contact the Park Ranger for natural and cultural history tours of the sites and trails.
When planning a group outing, check with the ranger for seasonal updates/closures.
Check bulletin boards in parking lots for seasonal programs, maps and regulations.
Dungeon Rock (Dungeon Rd): Open to the public 9:00-2:30 Tuesday - Saturday, subject to change. Please contact lynnwoodsranger@aol.com in advance for weekly schedule.

Rose Garden (Main Entrance): Open to the general public year round. Weddings, by request, by approval, by the Lynn Board of Park Commissioners.
Amphitheater (Main Entrance): Open air-concerts and programs posted seasonally;
Stone Tower (Burrill Hill): Closed during restoration.
Wolf Pits (Ox Pasture): Open to the general public year round.
Picnic Areas (2): On Jackson Path 100 yards from the main entrance.
On Great Woods Rd. 1.3 miles from the east entrance and 1.7 miles from main entrance.
Alcohol, open fires, grills and stoves are prohibited.
Events, Tours and Programs: Seasonal events, tours and programs are posted on the bulletin boards located on both entrances. Program information can also be obtained by calling the recorded program information line 781-477-7094.

Requests for events in the Rose garden or other locations in Lynn Woods should be submitted in writing to: The Board of Park Commissioners at: 250 Commercial Street, Lynn, MA 01905.For information on educational programs and presentations, please contact the Ranger with your name, agency, phone number, desired date and time and topic.

Rules and Regulations

HOURS: Sunrise to Sunset. For your safety and the protection of the woods, the reservation is closed at night.

BIKING: You must stay on officially marked trails only. Official trails will have a colored paint blaze and are on this map. Take the time to learn the layout of the trail system so that you will not accidentally ride on an illegal or closed trail. If it isn't on the map it isn't an official trail. Biking is not allowed on the trails marked "foot traffic only". Responsible riding will help protect the forest and the future of biking in Lynn Woods.

HORSE-BACK RIDING: Riding is permitted on orange blazed fire roads only. Please do not run horses or ride on the hiking trails.

DOG WALKING: City Ordinance for restraining dogs is in effect throughout the reservation. Owners are responsible for removing waste from trails, roads and parking lots. Pets are prohibited from entering in or upon reservoirs due to the potential for contaminating our drinking water supply. Poop pollutes: Waterborne diseases such as E.coli, Camphylobacter fetus and Crytosporidiosis are caused from fecal contamination.

SWIMMING: No swimming or boating is permitted in any of the reservoirs in the reservations as they are all used for Lynn's drinking water supply.

FIRES: No fires are allowed, except by permit. Fire has been a major threat to the forest in Lynn Woods. In order to prevent future fires from destroying the woods, we cannot allow grills, stoves or fire to be lit without a permit.

FISHING: Fishing is prohibited due to the impact on the water supply.

PROHIBITED: Camping, paintball, ATV and dirt bike riding are prohibited due to the safety and conservation concerns. See kiosks at both entrances for a full list of rules and regulations plus other park information.

Park Ranger

One full-time Park Ranger oversees the day to day operation of the Woods. The Park Ranger works in cooperation with the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, the City of Lynn DPW and Economic Development, and community groups such as the Friends of Lynn Woods and the New England Mountain Bike Association.

These groups try to achieve maintenance, administrative, educational, and safety objectives throughout the Reservation. The Park Ranger works out of the Lynn Woods Park Headquarters located at the entrance to Pennybrook Road. The City of Lynn is currently working to restore the headquarters’ building to allow for greater public access.

** This hike is sponsored by Essex National Heritage Area part of Trails and Sails events and will begin at Great Woods Road at the Golf Course entrance. Free Parking, Free Admission, Free Maps, Free Water.

The Lynn Woods Cross Country Races have been held during the summer for over 30 years. Started originally by the Lynn Park Department, the races are now administered and sponsored by the North Medford Club, North Shore Striders, and the Lynn AC.

Races are held on Wednesdays during June, July, and August. All but the last two weeks of the series (10 Mile Relay on August 20, 2008 and the Handicap) are free.

Each week we run 2 races - a short one of 2-3 miles and a longer one somewhere between 4 and 8 miles. Every week there are also a 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile races for children.

The courses are run mostly on dirt roads and trails. The beginning and end of each race is on 200 yards of pavement. Footing can be difficult in parts. All of the courses can be described as hilly and challenging. No cars are allowed within the Woods. You may encounter some mountain bikers or even a horse or two along the way. Check out the info on Lynn Woods for a better appreciation of this special place on our website.

Friends of Lynn Woods

The primary community group that supports the City in improving and maintaining Lynn Woods is the Friends of Lynn Woods. Incorporated in 1990, the “Friends” is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to insure the perpetual existence of the Lynn Woods Reservation.